How great would it be for Wisconsin's backup quarterback, Danny O'Neil, to assert himself so much on Saturday against Middle Tennessee that fans are curious if he's better than Billy Edwards Jr., the starter? That would be a dream scenario and one I think even head coach Luke Fickell would love to see. For O'Neil, the main thing he's looking for is not some sort of otherworldly performance but to come out hot and not let up.
"I think the biggest thing is to come out hot. That's the big thing that I want to focus on, not just me but the offense in general, just to be able to come out swinging." Danny O'Neil said this week. He said he'd love just to march down the field and score on the opening drive.
That sort of establishment of rhythm and offense is what drives him against Middle Tennessee. He went on in the interview to discuss his mindset, saying, "The next play is going to be my best play." Which would be why he wants to focus on starting hot and then doing it again, and then again, and again. The entire game, making the next play the best one.
Danny O'Neil is always thinking about the next play being the best play
Related: Danny O'Neil shoots from the hip with the swagger of a young Baker Mayfield
O'Neil has this confidence about him that's contagious and a swagger that he's not too small for the moment. He came in knowing he would be the backup, but he said he prepares as if he's going to start, "I don't know any other way to do it."
The backup quarterback, O'Neil, has been taking snaps all week in practice with the starters, and he's prepared to lead the team against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. The goal for O'Neil is to start hot and then never quit.
It's a game that Vegas thinks will get out of hand, and it should, as it's the last easy game on the Wisconsin schedule. Time to get right, figure it all out, run up the score, and get ready to face Alabama in Tuscaloosa next week.